Ahhhhhhh! World Stars of Ballet!

There are things that you see that leave you speechless!!! I guess that stands true for this post. Its been months but I seem to still cannot string the words that describe how I feel about World Stars of Ballet. This is me trying to express my overly complex and conflicted opinion of the show. 

No doubt about it, Ballet Manila should be lauded for giving the Filipino audience the opportunity to have a glimpse of  best of the best in the world. No other company has been able to do the same. Years have passed but I still cannot forget "Russian Stars of Ballet" which was also made possible by the generosity of Ballet Manila. This time they tried to outdo themselves with "World Stars of Ballet" . Who's who of ballet  all gathered awaiting another spectacle in Aliw theatre. 

The show ran quite long but the audience was never bored. It was vicious cycle of oohhing ahhhing, resting, clapping , and sitting up in excitement. Yoel Carreno and Yolanda Correa Frias, easily were the most applauded of all the stars. The two dancers from Norwegian National Ballet performed the pas de deux from Diana and Acteon  Yoel Carreno appeared like an Adonis with his beautiful physique and strong  masculine  style. At times he seemed to just fly. His cabrioles  were clean and crisp. The thing that made his tricks so impressive was the  expression in his face. He seemed to enjoy every minute of his time on stage. It was as if dance was his opium.  It was beautiful to watch. Yolanda Correa Frias  was technically very impressive. She had an air of elegance about her. Though I always prefer the quirky cute version of Diana, one cannot help but be impressed with her suave goddess approach  to the role. She was every bit a principal . The audience seemed to unanimously agree that they should be  hailed Stars of the Night.

Everyone was eager to get a glimpse of the alluring and ever so famous  Paloma Herrera from American Ballet Theatre. She was partnered by Maxim Beloserkovsky in the pas de deux "Apollo". The piece they performed was not flashy at all. It was simple but beautiful. It once again proves that you don't necessarily need tricks on stage to impress a crowd. Paloma was exquisite. Every time she went en pointe, she just amazed everyone with her beautiful feet. she elongates  her body beautifully articulating every movement. She really did not disappoint. Her partner was definitely very skilled but the pas de deux  really did showcase more of the woman then the man. 

Ballet Manila's very own Lisa Macuja also peformed with Rudy De Dios. The BM Principals appropriately picked " Don Quixote"  pas de deux . Kitri is one of the roles that made Lisa Macuja famous. She delivered and represented the Filipinos well with her quirky, flirtatious and extremely energizer bunny version of "Kitri". 

It would seem that the show being filled with so much spectacles, that I would leave with a fully satiated mind. However, something about Ballet Manila's performance bothered me a bit. I have been a Ballet Manila follower and have inevitably  developed interest in some of their dancers. But it seemed that the show showcased only its younger breed of dancers. I may be imagining things but it seems like the past few shows have only showcased the newer dancers who  honestly pale in comparison with the more seasoned dancers(hasty generalization , I know!). I was delighted to finally see Nino Guevarra, Michael Divinigracia and Alvin Santos showcased in significant parts in Bam Damian's celebration of masculinity during the World Stars show. True the younger dancers are beautiful to look at, indeed full of potential. But I am saddened by the fact that the more senior seasoned dancers have to constantly take a step back away from the limelight. I wish I could have seen  Nino Guevarra take the title role in Don Quixote as I know he would have been a brilliant partner for Lisa Macuja. I have not forgotten his award winning performance in Namcya where he wowed everyone with his his fancy footwork. I would have loved to see Alvin Santos showcased in a classical piece showing his exquisite extensions. I would have loved to see Michael Divinigracia in a challenging modern piece. Though I know Mylene Aggabao is a treasured Principal in the company, I did not see her perform a grand pas de deux in the show. They would have represented the Filipino community well. I guess I am left wondering why,,..... why did they not choose their strongest dancers?

So there. That's why it took so long for me to write this post. I am floored to have watched such beautiful foreign dancers . But at the same time I did leave with a bit of a heavy heart because I missed Ballet Manila's own stars (With the exception of Lisa Macuja) Perhaps I am imagining things but that's what I took home that night. A bittersweet evening as they say. Nonetheless, I say Bravo to Ballet Manila for a job well done. If the intention is to inspire the local balletomanes and ballerinas, mission accomplished. Indeed World  Stars of Ballet will be one show that will be difficult to forget. Thank you for the experience. 

June 8, 2012

World Stars of Ballet 

Ballet Manila 

Aliw Theatre 

Photo Credit: Geri Francisco 

I COULD BE WRONG :)

Starstruck and Stuck : Yuan Yuan Tan

Years of being a dancer has I guess softened my heart. I hesitate before I throw a criticism because I know how hard it it to rehearse for a piece. Corns, callouses, bruises and injuries have made me a more appreciative member of the audience. But as the years of experience  on stage have taught me a thing or two, so have the audience chairs.   I am a balletomane and a self-confessed theatre buff. I've scampered around for as much tickets I could get my hands on. Having seen so much, hardly do I go home with my mind  blown. Though I do admire many dancers out there, I hardly get starstruck to the point of speechlessness.   I don't really ask for autographs. The only cherished autographed item in my house is my artist pass signed by Ms. Maniya Barredo. But Yuan Yuan Tan's performance in Ballet Soiree was just so good, it turned both me and my husband into giddy children waiting for the star of the show to come out. Luckily she did!!!!!! Thank the stars for a beautiful momento. So here I am thoroughly star struck. I guess all those years of dancing never did train me to be the pefect FAN!

Dancing with the Stars: Hongkong Ballet

Every time I plan a  visit to  Hong Kong, I check the theatre schedules for ballet or broadway shows.  A few years ago, I had the pleasure of watching Yuan Yuan Tan dance with Hong Kong Ballet in "Jewels". Unfortunately, that was the only thing that she danced that night because she alternated with another guest artist for the role of Odette in Swan Lake.  But what I saw then was enough to capture my interest. I did not know much about her then but that single performance made me check the internet for  You tube videos or dance magazine features. She stood out , looking ravishing in  her ruby red costume. Her extensions were comfortably perfect. A good mix of energy and gracefulness made here sparkle and stand out from the rest. Everybody (even the other principals) looked bland beside her.   I vowed to watch her again.

For my birthday, I decided  I wanted to go to Hong Kong to watch Yuan Yuan Tan perform again with Hong Kong  Ballet. Quite an expensive birthday gift to myself, but my husband seemed to think I was worth it :) So off we went to Hong kong and bought tickets . Excited and eager to be wowed, we practically sprinted to the theatre. "Ballet Soiree" started off really weak with  Hong Kong City Ballet's men . Castrati,  a seemingly interesting choreography was not glorified. Soloist Shen Jie and three other soloists showed versatility and strength. Shen Jie in particular was interesting to watch. I have no doubt he will be one of the Company's stars. However, the ensemble looked like they lacked rehearsals. Musicality was often compromised. Seeing Youtube videos of Castrati made it worse as the male dancers of Royal Swedish Ballet were very very precise.  Thank goodness the show quickly redeemed  itself by the entrance of Yuan Yuan Tan . She performed Lady of the Camelias with Guest Artist Vito Mazzeo. I saw a different Yuan Yuan tan, a true chameleon she was. She was sensitive in her portrayal. Her technique was impeccable. Her arabesques made me gasp in admiration. Her movements were stringed together with her grace, with every movement  dripping with emotion. It was amazing to feel her energy from the audience. Vito Mazzeo, ably partnered her and embodied just the right amount of charm and testosterone . Their partnering was absolutely seamless. I was beyond impressed. After the pas de deux, it was time for Hong Kong City Ballet's girls to show their stuff. They did not disappoint. A beautiful choreography called "Dancing with the Wind" by Li Jun showcased  the capabilities of the women. The choreography had a strong concept, the chinese aesthetic. It was a delight to see simple elements of  light and dance on stage make magic. I will not forget the dreamy quality of this piece. It was a breath of fresh air.   This performance was followed by another Pas De Deux by Yuan Yuan Tan and Vito Mazzeo. This time it was short but still most definitely sweet. Pas De Deux from Symphonic Dances was all about technical lifts and an exhibition of flexibility of both dancers. The duo delivered, keeping the audience wanting for more. Christian Spuck's  Le Grande Pas De Deux performed by Liu Yu-Yao and Zhang Yao followed. It was what it promised to be, a comical parody. It was for the lack of words to describe it, cute. Both dancers committed to the characters and performed the classical requirements  with ease.  Last on the repertoire was Theme and Variations , choreography by George Balanchine.  Ji Yao played the principal role. She performed the very difficult ballet with a comfortable smile. She  was no Yuan Yuan Tan but she did consistently deliver. The curtain fell and I found myself  clapping  with enthusiasm. 

Hong Kong City Ballet for me has grown so much. I used to think they were good but bland. This time, they re-introduced themselves to me and made me a certified fan. However, having seen  the difference between San Francisco Ballet's A team, they do have a long way to go before they reach their fullest potential.  Yuan Yuan Tan's performance really showed what  they should aspire to be, beautiful, strong and exciting. I had my fill that night. The show was worthy of my applause. Their growth was worthy of my admiration. More importantly, their star was worthy of my ADORATION . A beautiful way to say goodbye to Hong Kong. I left thoroughly impressed and happy having seen such beautiful art. I look forward to coming back to see  Hong kong Ballet's next great leap to greatness. Can't wait to see my friend  Candice Adea shine with the stars.